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Despite the first episode drawing a whopping 17.1 million viewers, making it the second-highest rated episode in the show’s history, figures have plummeted in recent weeks with each episode jumping to a different story and set of characters.

But fans appear to have got back onside with Season Seven with many hailing last night’s dramatic finale.

But director Greg Nicotero defended the episode and said it was important to stay true to the comic.

He added: “What struck me about [the comic] was it was horrifically graphic and senseless and brutal. In this instance, we felt that it was important to launch us into this season by showing the extent of what Negan is capable of doing. It’s really unfortunate that people want to take a negative spin on it because, as far as I’m concerned, I’m dedicated to watching a show because I want to see where the story’s going to go next.”